Media release courtesy of Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Minister for Sport

The Morrison Government today backs Australia’s winter athletes as they kick-start their Olympic campaigns in Beijing.

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Government’s continued support for our elite stars had strengthened their competitive footing for the fortnight ahead and beyond.

Through the Australian Institute of Sport, the Government has invested more than $29.8 million directly into Australia’s winter athletes and sports over the past four years – an increase of almost 50 per cent on the previous Winter Olympic cycle.

Funding to winter sports in this four-year preparation includes $2.5million in grants direct to athletes.

“We wish this Australian team the best of luck, they have done all they can to prepare for this moment despite the enormous challenges provided by the global pandemic. We can’t wait to see them perform in Beijing,” Minister Colbeck said.

“There has been record funding ahead of these Games, and that has been complemented by AIS support through innovation and technology, medicine and sport science, wellbeing and community engagement, coaching and leadership, as well as high performance facilities.

“The Government was proud to be the major supporter of the new Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre in Brisbane, which is the only dedicated water jump facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

“All of this is about setting a foundation for sustainable success, so that we’re supporting our Australian winter athletes of today and, at the same time, bringing through those emerging athletes who will be our representatives in the future.”

Australian Sports Commission chair Josephine Sukkar AM said after four years of hard work and persistence, our winter athletes are set to inspire the nation.

“With the support of the Australian Government, we are giving Olympic and Paralympic athletes greater certainty over their funding to plan further in advance,” Ms Sukkar said.

“Later this year, the AIS will announce funding for the next four years to assist winter sports plan and build towards Milano-Cortina 2026 and beyond.

“I’m extremely proud of the strong collaboration that is building across Australian sport, a result of the National High Performance Sport Strategy 2024. Our Summer Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo, and now Beijing, have had to navigate some incredible hurdles, but our athletes continue to thrive.

“To the Australian Olympic Committee and Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut, congratulations on your hard work and leadership to bring this team together in Beijing.”